A bale handler having a crane on a bed on a vehicle outside the storage area of the bed to place round bales of hale on the bed, preferably into individual storage tubs in order to facilitate knowing the precise location of such bales in order to facilitate automation. Some embodiments combine a lifting arm mechanism with the crane. The lifting arm mechanism is capable of grasping a round bale of hay, lifting the bale, releasing it on the bed, retrieving it from the bed, and unrolling the round bale. Optionally, the bale hander comprises an auger for breaking the hay into particles to facilitate livestock eating such hay and for discharging such particles onto the ground or into a livestock feed bunk.
